Georgetown Antique Mall to close for good after 40 years

GEORGETOWN, Texas - After decades of business, a popular Georgetown store on the historic square is closing next week. 

Bright yellow signs plaster the front windows at the Georgetown Antique Mall.

"Going out of business? Oh no. Well, we’ve got to go in here, it’s antiques," said a group of customers passing by.

Their reaction is the consensus this weekend as shoppers come to pay the Georgetown Antique Mall one last visit.

"It draws a lot of people to town," said Barbara Burkhalter, an employee at the Antique Mall. "The square has changed some, but stores like this have not changed."

It’s a time capsule that takes people back to quieter days in Williamson County.

"I love to see people so happy with finding something like their mother, or grandmother had," said Carolyn Martin, the store owner. 

She knows each of her customers, and if you’re new here, she’ll get to know you too.

"They all have a story to tell and why they’re getting what they’re getting, so I like to try to remember that when they come in the next time I can ask them how it worked out for them," Martin said.

Perhaps that’s the secret to keeping a business thriving on the historic Georgetown Square for nearly 40 years.

"I developed a friendship today," said Martin. "A lady who came in, first time, and she cried when she left she said, "I wish that I had got to know you earlier."

Georgetown, likely wouldn’t be what it is today, if she didn’t take over the antique mall all those years ago.

Market Days and the Christmas stroll are largely her doing too. When asked how she wants people to remember her, this is what she’s proudest of.

"That I tried the best I could," said Martin. "I was on many committees, tried to support Georgetown as much as possible."

After losing her husband, Martin decided to retire.

She couldn’t find anyone to sell the store to.

"I'm ready for me to take another step in my life, so that’s what I’m going to do," Martin said.

When she walks out for the last time, it won’t be the trinkets and knick-knacks she longs for. It will be the people.

"I'll cry the day I leave," said Martin. "It’s going to be hard. I’ve developed huge friendships."

Closing day is January 11.

There’s no word yet on who will rent the building next.

Martin plans to spend her free time traveling the world.